Make Delicious Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs & Tomato Sauce

Name: Make Delicious Spaghetti with Homemade Meatballs & Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 500 g Ground Beef (lean, for meatballs); 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (plain); 1 Egg (large); 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated); 2 cloves Garlic (minced, for meatballs); 1/4 Onion (finely chopped, for meatballs); 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped); 1 tsp Salt (for meatballs); 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (for meatballs); 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (800g (28 oz)); 2 tbsp Olive Oil (plus more for browning); 3 cloves Garlic (minced, for sauce); 1/2 Onion (chopped, for sauce); 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (chopped, plus more for garnish); 1 tsp Salt (for sauce); 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (for sauce); 400 g Spaghetti Pasta; 4 liters Water (for cooking pasta); 1 tbsp Salt (for pasta water)

A classic Italian-American dish, this recipe guides you through making tender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, served over al dente spaghetti. Perfect for a family dinner.

#Meatballs

#Spaghetti

#Tomato Sauce

#Homemade

#Italian

#Dinner

#Easy Recipe

#Pasta

Delicious Plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs

Recipe Information

30m

Prep Time

45m

Cook Time

1h 15m

Total Time

Servings

Medium

Italian-American

English

Nutrition (per serving)

650

Calories

35g

Protein

70g

Carbs

25g

Fat

Close-up of Homemade Meatballs in Sauce

Ingredients

Servings: 6

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Spaghetti and Meatballs Ready to Serve

Instructions

0/8 completed

1
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
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5m
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
5m
Do not overmix to keep meatballs tender.
2
Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch (4 cm) balls.
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Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch (4 cm) balls.
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Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.

3
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
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Browning adds depth of flavor to the meatballs and sauce.
4
In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
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In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Cook until fragrant, but don't burn the garlic.
5
Pour in crushed tomatoes, add fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
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Pour in crushed tomatoes, add fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
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A longer simmer develops deeper flavors.

6
Carefully return the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
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Carefully return the browned meatballs to the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
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Ensure meatballs are fully submerged in the sauce.
7
While meatballs simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
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While meatballs simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
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Taste a strand to ensure it's cooked just right, firm to the bite.
8
Drain spaghetti and add it directly to the pot with the meatballs and sauce. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or Parmesan.
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Drain spaghetti and add it directly to the pot with the meatballs and sauce. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or Parmesan.
5m
A little pasta water can help loosen the sauce if needed.